Classes & Workshops
Tuesdays
at Old Church House, Western Road, Tring
CHANGING TO
Thursdays
Workshops and Short Courses
The Bovingdon and Berkhamsted monthly workshops are on hold for the time being due to other dance commitments.
What to Expect at a dance class
After a warm-up of Yoga, Pilates and Alexander technique inspired postures and movements, the dance is taught in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Using a mixture of choreography and improvisation, you can delight in your own expression of this ancient and contemporary art form.My approach to dance is progressive but rooted in the inspirational traditional dances and music of Egypt. Students are encouraged to take their inspiration from Egyptian rhythms and music, harness it and direct energy into a creative and fresh dance experience. The dance is at its best when the dancer places a strong emphasis on good grounded posture, strength, passion and respectful and exciting interpretation of the music - a tall order but a wonderful challenge.
What to Wear
Wear a long full skirt, straight dress or loose trousers, a comfortable top with sleeves and a scarf to wrap around your hips. We dance barefoot or in soft shoes. As our warm-up does involve floor exercises, you can wear loose trousers too. Bring a mat to lie on.
Caution
Dances from the Middle East and North Africa are taught worldwide and the diversity of styles reflects the long and fascinating social and political history of the region. It is important, in my view, to explore the full range of the dance e.g. folk styles of the different regions, classical styles developed later as well as up-to-the-minute contemporary ideas.You will be disappointed if you are looking for the narrow commercialised interpretation of the dance as exploited in nightclubs etc.
2009 Workshops
30 August 2009 Egyptian Dance Workshop in Berkhamsted, Herts16 May 2009 Shaabi Workshop in Berkhamsted, Herts
2008 Workshops
2-24 June: 4-Week course at Greenway School, Berkhamsted, Herts28 May 2008 Shaabi Stick Workshop in Berkhamsted, Herts
15 March 2008 Nubian Choreography Workshop in Broadmayne, Dorset.
14 February 2008 Sha'abi workshop at the Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted, Herts.
2007 Workshops
1 September 2007. Baladi workshop at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted.
21 July 2007. Intro to Raqs Sharqi workshop at The Festival of Song, Drum and Dance, Old Welwyn
18 June 2007. Sha'abi workshop at the Mentmore Golf and Country Club, Mentmore
18 April 2007
Sha'abi workshop for the Arts Evening at The Tring Learning Centre, Tring
12 April 2007
Classical Flow Workshop at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted
2006 Workshops
7 December 2006
An introduction to the lyrical and refined CLASSICAL veil dance of the Ottoman courts
3 November 2006
Introduction to the rich textures of BALADI, the urban folk dance developed in the early 19th Century at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted
11 October 2006
An introduction to Egyptian Dance at the Tring Learning Centre, Tring
5 October 2006
An introduction to the earthiness and exuberance of SHA'ABI, the folk dance of Upper Egypt at The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted